DE112018005051T5 - GAPED SCAN NOZZLE ARRANGEMENT AND PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluidic scanning nozzle has an interaction chamber which is defined between an upstream end and a downstream end and has a longitudinal chamber axis. The upstream end has an inlet opening for receiving and supplying a pressurized fluid into the interaction chamber along the chamber axis. The downstream end has an outlet orifice for discharging a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from the chamber into the environment, and an axial gap positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end. The upstream and downstream ends may define inner cavities with a hemispherical shape. It may be that the axial gap defines a cylindrical sidewall segment which is formed between an upper inner cavity with a hemispherical shape and a lower inner cavity with a hemispherical shape. The axial gap has a selected axial length and inner diameter and can be either a stepless axial gap or a stepped axial gap.

Description

OVERVIEW OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority and benefit of the preliminary U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 578,079 with the title “Gapped scanner nozzle assembly and method”, filed on October 27, 2017, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the content of this application by reference. This registration is - also a partial continuation of the U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 775,031 with the title "scanner nozzle array, showerhead assembly and method", filed on May 10, 2018, which is an application according to 35 USC §371 (national phase) of PCT / US2016 / 063608 entitled "scanner nozzle array, showerhead assembly and method", which was filed on November 23, 2016 and which the priority and benefits of the preliminary U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 258,991 , filed on November 23, 2015. This registration is also a partial continuation of the U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 094,221 entitled "Fluidic scanner nozzle and spray unit employing same", filed on October 17, 2018, which is an application under 35 USC §371 (national phase) of PCT / US2017 / 030813 entitled "Fluidic scanner nozzle and spray unit employing same", which was filed on May 3, 2017 and the priority and benefits of the preliminary U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 330,939 claimed, which was filed on May 3, 2016. This registration is also with the U.S. Patents 6,938,835 ; 6,948,244 ; 7,111,800 ; 7,677,480 and 8,205,812 related to the same applicant, who disclose previous scanning fluidic oscillators, several flow element housings and methods for integrating a fluidic geometry (outlet geometry) into the housing of a fluidic device. The entire disclosure content of all of the aforementioned documents is hereby fully incorporated into the present application by reference.

FIELD OF REVELATION

The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for fluidically generating desired fluid spray patterns, primarily liquid patterns, that are sprayed in droplet form to reliably wet a target area. In a more specific aspect, the invention relates to the improvement of fluidic vibration or. Oscillator nozzles, the use of which in spray arrangements (e.g. shower heads) which are set up to produce a large number of predetermined, intended, three-dimensional oscillation or To generate oscillation spray jets from fluidic droplets from a multiplicity of fluidic scanning nozzles, as well as a method for producing such arrangements.

BACKGROUND

Standard jet-type shower heads do not provide a comfortable spray pattern, uniform droplet size, uniform droplet velocity, and uniform temperature at very low flow rates (e.g., 2 gpm or less) for showering. Any fluidic shower head can provide improvements over the prior art. Most fluidic shower heads have very few openings and are therefore rated worse by consumers in shops where they cannot test the shower head for spraying before buying it.

The 1A to 1D illustrate applicant's previous work in the related art, wherein U.S. Patent No. 6,938,835 (Stouffer), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, relates to a three-dimensional (3D) scanning nozzle that operates in the liquid-to-air mode, and more specifically, a 3D scanning nozzle in which a single jet has long wavelengths so that there are still splashes of the fluid or the liquid for greater distances from the nozzle, which provides better cleaning for hard surfaces due to impact and abrasion. Previous full cover spray jets were achieved by fluidic oscillators that paint over foils (see e.g. Stouffer U.S. Patent No. 4,151,955 ), or by a sweeping beam mechanically sweeping over the target surface (as is the case with some headlamp washers). Many cleaning jets disperse energy by splitting the jet and rely on wand-traversing to provide further distribution. Better cleaning compared to distributed jet cleaning with a static (non-sweeping) nozzle on headlamp cleaning nozzles has been shown by sweeping jets emitted from a fan nozzle in Stouffer's U.S. Patent No. 4,508,267 is shown. According to the U.S. Patent No. 6,938,835 from Stouffer to a scanning nozzle, a single concentrated jet that is temporally rasterized over an area is better than static multi-jet nozzles that sweep over like a fan, which is why that U.S. Patent No. 6,938,835 von Stouffer, in order to achieve a spray pattern with full coverage, which is also more uniform in terms of both pattern distribution and droplet size, relies on a type of fluidic oscillator that provides random or random-based scanning in both radial and tangential directions generated.

The scanner U.S. Patent No. 6,938,835 von Stouffer describes and illustrates (e.g. in the 1A to 1D ) one Spray nozzle element 10 with full coverage area with a cylindrical oscillation chamber bounded by an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate. An inlet aperture in the upstream endplate is coupled to a source of pressurized liquid to be sprayed onto the surface and an outlet aperture at the downstream end emits a jet of the pressurized liquid into the environment. In this patent, the cylindrical wall of the oscillation chamber is defined by a line encircling an axial line passing through the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture. The oscillating chamber is designed to support a basic oscillatory, annular flow pattern that remains confined within the confines of that chamber. The ring-shaped body rotates around its cross-sectional axis and is energized by the jet of liquid that is discharged into the oscillation chamber. The annular flow pattern has diametrically opposed cross-sections that alternate in size to cause the outlet jet to move in radial paths and also in tangential directions, thereby moving on a different radial path for each sweep, making it a random one Sweeping over, or scanning, of the jet emerging from the outlet opening comes on the spray surface.

Fluidic oscillators can be mounted in a multi-jet generating nozzle arrangement such as those shown in FIGS 2A and 2 B and the 3A to 3C are shown. The 2A and 2 B show the applicant's previous version of housings for several fluidic oscillators. The 2A and 2 B show perspective views of the front surface 30th or rear surface 24 a commercial version of a shower head 20th , which is formed from a housing which contains twelve fluidic oscillators 29 houses. It can be seen that the geometric arrangement of the twelve passages 32 and their introduced oscillators 29 of the housing includes an outer octagonal array of eight fluidic oscillator-containing passages extending at the center point 28 the front face 30th are centered. Within this outer arrangement there is an inner arrangement of four fluidic oscillator-containing passages 22nd that are also at the midpoint 28 the front 30th the housing are centered.

The 3A to 3C illustrate an earlier prototype of a multi-jet generating shower head assembly 50 . The scanning shower head 50 is preferably formed from a molded plastic material and has a two-part housing 52 with a back (or top as in 3A) Housing component 54 and a front panel housing component 56 on that at an interface 58 converge to form a closed plenum or air chamber which encloses the fluidic oscillator elements. The upper case component 54 integrates a fluid inlet 60 for connection to a source of a fluid under pressure, such as a conventional spray device, shower supply attachment or hose, to which it is externally threaded 62 connected is. The diameter of the interior 64 of the inlet is stepped downward, like a first inwardly extending shoulder 66 , a second inner shoulder 68 on an interior wall 69 that is set by the shoulder 66 and a final inwardly extending shoulder 70 to get an inlet 71 small diameter form, through the fluid, as indicated by the arrows 72 indicated in the interior plenum 74 that flows between the rear and front components or sections 54 and 56 of the housing 52 is defined. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner shoulder has 68 the shape of a ring that is on the wall 69 is determined, for example, by radial arms with reference numerals 78 are provided, the rooms 79 between the radial arms the fluid flow indicated by the arrows 80 is displayed, direct into the plenary and with the central opening 71 work together to create turbulence in the flow of fluid in the plenum 74 for an even distribution of the flow to the fluidic outlet oscillators.

The upper housing section 54 is generally cup-shaped and forms a housing cover portion with a top wall 90 the inlet located in the middle 60 integrated, and a circumferential downward extending (as in 3A to see) side wall 92 , which have an outwardly widened or flanged circumferential sealing flange at their bottom 94 which has a flat bottom sealing surface 96 integrated. As best in 3B can be seen, the housing cover is integrated 54 around the side wall 92 a plurality of outwardly extending radial projections 100 that are spaced around the housing sidewall. Each protrusion has a continuous opening 102 on that with a corresponding breakthrough 104 in the bottom case 56 to accommodate a suitable fastening element for mounting the shower head 50 flees. It is noted that at the location of each outwardly protruding projection 100 the wall 92 the upper case component 52 a curved, inwardly extending protrusion or bulge 110 as best in 3C can be seen integrated, which serves to have a sufficient thickness in the side wall 92 provide to the breakthroughs 102 include or allow. The multiple protrusions and their corresponding, inward directed protrusions create a curved circumferential inner wall surface 112 as in the 3A and 3C you can see.

The lower or front panel cage component 56 of the housing 52 has a generally planar bottom wall 120 with a back (or top, if in 3A considered) area 122 , a front surface 124 and a peripheral wall 126 on. As best in 3B can be seen, has the housing component 56 several openings spaced along the circumference 104 on, with the rear face 122 a tortuous sealing groove 130 with inside and outside walls 132 and 134 and a groove bottom 136 integrated to accommodate a flexible circular seal (not shown). The inner wall 132 the sealing groove follows the curvature of the curved inner wall 112 so that if the housing 52 is mounted, upper and lower parts 54 and 56 of the housing at an interface 58 with the surface 96 of the upper case 94 come into operative connection, which with the rear surface 122 of the bottom housing 56 is in operative connection and the sealing groove 130 covered to provide a fluid tight seal between these upper and lower components when a suitable flexible seal is in the groove 130 is.

As part of the faceplate housing component 56 A large number of concave depressions are formed 150 , illustrated in the perspective view 3B which are the lower halves of the fluidic oscillators for the spraying devices 50 form. For the sake of clarity, only one of these depressions will be described in detail, it being understood that all of these depressions, in this case eight, are essentially the same and during the molding process used to manufacture the component 56 are formed. In this embodiment, each recess is formed around an upper cylindrical portion 152 , an inward groin, or shoulder 154 , and a substantially hemispherical lower cavity portion 156 which will form a lower part of a two-part fluidic sampling oscillator element when the sampling shower head is assembled. On the underside or the bottom of the lower cavity section is slightly offset radially outward from a center line of the fluidic oscillator, and thus off-center of the depression 150 , an outlet opening 158 passing through a throat section 160 opens into a wall section 162 the deepening 150 is trained. As best in 3C can be seen the throat portion widens 160 outwardly from the breakthrough 158 to create a particular scanning fluid spray pattern.

Within each well 150 mounted as in 3A shown is a corresponding cylindrical fluidic power nozzle insert 170 , which forms the second part of the two-part fluidic oscillator. The insert has a top planar surface 172 and a cylindrical side wall 174 on, which has a diameter that is selected to fit snugly into the top portion 152 to fit its corresponding recess. As in the cross section 3A As shown, the bottom of each insert has an open, downwardly directed substantially hemispherical dome 176 with a cylindrical bottom edge 178 on that with the bar 154 comes into operative connection in their corresponding recess during assembly. The insert dome and its corresponding recess form a spherical fluidic oscillator interaction chamber 180 . Centrally located in the top surface of each cylindrical insert is an inlet passage 182 with one axis 184 which is also the axis of the cylindrical insert 170 and which forms a power nozzle that leads into the insert inner dome and thus into the interaction chamber 180 which is formed by each insert with its corresponding recess. As in 3A it should be noted that the outlet openings 158 , and the neck pieces 160 of each fluidic oscillator radially from the axis 184 and, as illustrated, these offsets are selected, normally of different dimensions, to provide predetermined different, but complementary, outlet spray patterns from each oscillator output scanning spray. In the embodiment shown, the outlets are radially outward by different distances 186 and 188 spaced in two fluidic oscillators, which in cross section in 3A however, it is noted that the offset is in either direction from the axis 184 The offsets can be all the same, or a selected mixture of the offsets, or there are no offsets, as selected for the desired scanning spray pattern. It is noted that the inserts partially around their upper edges 190 can be toothed for easier handling.

The procedure for assembling the shower head 50 includes positioning an insert 170 in each of the cylindrical top sections 152 of the wells 150 in the front panel so that the bottom 178 of use with the bar 154 is in operative connection, the inserts through the tight fit of the insert outer side wall 174 are held in place, thereby forming a plurality of fluidic oscillator interaction chambers, exemplarily eight in this case, and corresponding scanning spray outlets and outlet necks. A seal is in the groove 130 placed and the back and front sections 54 and 56 are positioned and aligned using suitable brackets such as screws or bolts fixed to one another to provide a fluid-tight or liquid-tight housing. In operation, the shower head is attached to a suitable source of pressurized fluid which enters the inner plenum or fluid manifold 74 of the case flows as indicated by the arrows 72 and 80 indicated. The fluid circulates in the chamber and flows into the plurality of inlet power nozzles at substantially equal flow rates 182 under pressure, like arrows 190 indicated. The fluid enters the fluidic interaction chambers under pressure 180 , circulates in the chamber to create a fluidic oscillation and is passed through the corresponding outlet opening 158 and the neck piece 160 ejected to produce a scanning fluidic spray output from each outlet which is delivered at a uniform cone angle, represented by the arrows 192 in 3A . This scanning spray output can randomly scan over and around the defined cone angle to create a particularly preferred flow pattern for use in, for example, a shower.

In the described embodiment of 3A to 3C it was assumed that the spherical shape of the interaction chambers 180 is decisive for the performance of the fluid oscillation or fluid vibration generated. However, these fluidic shower heads from the prior art can be more difficult to manufacture due to the difficulty in sealing the fluidic passages and the requirement for tight tolerances in manufacture, support and assembly. Furthermore, the embodiments of known fluidic shower heads tend to be more expensive than conventional jet showers due to the number of fluidic nozzle components required. There is therefore a need to provide improvements to these known arrangements in order to improve manufacturability, reduce costs and provide even more extensive control of the flow behavior.

PRESENTATION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above difficulties by providing a slotted scanning nozzle assembly. The gated scan nozzle assembly of the present invention can be used to assemble a fluidic scan shower head that produces multiple sprays that provides all of the advantages of a fluidic shower head with additional benefits. The gated scan nozzle assembly, when configured as a flow scan shower head, may include multiple spray jet orifices (more flow elements) in an arrangement that is simple and inexpensive to assemble.

The gated scan nozzle assembly includes a member defining an inlet lumen hemisphere and a member defining an outlet orifice hemisphere configured to receive the inlet defining member in congruent relationship and axially aligned therewith. The gapped scanning arrangement works surprisingly well when there is an axial or elongated gap between the hemispherical halves and the gap defines a cylindrical sidewall of a selected axial length. In one embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall has an inner diameter wider than the inner diameter of either (a) the element defining the inlet lumen hemisphere or (b) the element defining the outlet-outflow opening hemisphere. In one embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall has an inner diameter that is generally congruent with the inner diameter of either (a) the element defining the inlet lumen hemisphere or (b) the element defining the outlet-outflow orifice hemisphere. The slotted scan nozzle assembly defines a lumen or space or vortex generation chamber between the rear (power nozzle defining) member and the front member.

The method of making and configuring the present invention provides an economical and highly effective mechanism for incorporating fluidic sensing circuits into an array that produces multiple sprays. The scanning nozzle arrangement provided with a gap of the present invention does not have to be as expensive in terms of its production compared to shower heads known from the prior art as fluidic shower heads known from the prior art, because fewer parts or components in a process that has less tolerance -critical is to be assembled or mounted.

In one embodiment, a fluidic scanning nozzle having an interaction chamber defined axially between an upstream end and a downstream end and having a longitudinal chamber axis. The upstream end with an inlet opening for receiving a pressure fluid and for supplying the pressure fluid into the interaction chamber along the chamber axis. The downstream end having an outlet orifice for discharging a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from the chamber into the environment. An axial gap positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end. The upstream end may be an inlet member, the one Defined inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, and the downstream end may be an outlet member defining an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, wherein the inner cavity of the inlet member is an upper hemispherical shape and the inner cavity of the outlet member is a lower hemispherical shape. The outlet element can be configured to receive the inlet element in a congruent relationship and to be axially aligned therewith in order to form the interaction chamber. The axial gap can be positioned between a portion of the inlet element and the outlet element. The axial gap can define a cylindrical sidewall segment that is aligned between a hemispherical upper inner cavity and a hemispherical lower inner cavity. The axial gap can have a selected axial length and an inner diameter that is wider than an inner diameter of either (a) the inlet member or (b) the outlet member. The axial gap may be a stepped axial gap positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member. Alternatively, the axial gap can be a stepless axial gap positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member. The axial gap within the interaction chamber can define a vortex generation chamber between the inlet element and the outlet element.

In one embodiment, a fluidic scanning nozzle is provided which has an interaction chamber which is defined axially between an inlet element and an outlet element and which has a longitudinal chamber axis. The inlet element, which has an upstream end with an inlet opening for receiving a pressurized fluid and supplying the pressurized fluid into the interaction chamber along the chamber axis. The outlet member having a downstream end with an outlet orifice for discharging a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from the chamber into the environment. An axial gap may be positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end. The inlet element and the outlet element can be fixed to one another and sealed to define the interaction chamber therebetween, the inlet element having a first open end longitudinally opposite the inlet opening, and the outlet element having a second open end longitudinally opposite the outlet-outflow opening, and wherein the first open end is inserted within the second open end. The inlet member defines an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape and the outlet member defines an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, the inner cavity of the inlet member being an upper hemispherical shape and the inner cavity of the outlet member being a lower hemispherical shape. The outlet element can be configured to receive the inlet element in a congruent relationship and to be axially aligned therewith in order to form the interaction chamber. The axial gap defines a cylindrical sidewall segment that is aligned between a hemispherical upper inner cavity and a hemispherical lower inner cavity. The axial gap has a selected axial length and an inner diameter that is wider than an inner diameter of either (a) the inner member or (b) the outlet member. The axial gap may be a stepped axial gap positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member. Alternatively, the axial gap may be a stepless axial gap positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member. The outlet element can furthermore have a stepless or continuous surface with a plurality of outlet elements which are configured to be aligned with a plurality of inlet elements within a housing, the housing being a shower head arrangement.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon review of the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, particularly when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used in the different figures to identify like components or to designate components.

Figure list

• 1A eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer Konfiguration aus dem Stand der Technik ist, die einen Zylinder mit einer Kuppeloberseite oder Endplatte zur Herstellung eines oszillierenden ringförmigen Körpers aufweist;
• 1B eine schematische Darstellung einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Konfiguration aus dem Stand der Technik ist, die ein Element oder eine Endplatte mit flacher Oberseite zur Herstellung eines oszillierenden ringförmigen Körpers aufweist;
• 1C eine schematische Darstellung einer anderen Ausführungsform einer Konfiguration aus dem Stand der Technik ist, die einen Auslassdurchbruch in einem Element mit versenkter bzw. genoppter Oberseite zur Herstellung eines oszillierenden ringförmigen Drehkörpers aufweist;
• 1D eine diagrammatische Darstellung der Konfiguration aus dem Stand der Technik ist, welche einen funktionalen Aspekt aus 1A darstellt;
• 2A eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Stands der Technik einer Vorderfläche und einer Rückfläche eines Gehäuses zeigt, welches fluidische Oszillatoren aufnimmt;
• 2B eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Stands der Technik einer Vorderfläche und einer Rückfläche eines Gehäuses zeigt, welches fluidische Oszillatoren aufnimmt;
• 3A eine perspektivische Querschnittsansicht einer Ausführungsform des Stands der Technik eines Abtastduschkopfs darstellt, in dem acht fluidische Oszillatoren mit Auslassdurchbrüchen und Mündungen integriert sind, welche ausgewählte Abtastsprühstrahlmuster bereitstellen;
• 3B eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von oben auf die Vorrichtung der 3A zeigt, die von links nach rechts obere (oder hintere) und untere (oder vordere) Gehäusekomponenten und innere Komponenten gemäß dem Stand der Technik veranschaulicht;
• 3C eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht von unten auf die Vorrichtung der 3A zeigt, die von links nach rechts obere und untere Gehäuse und innere Bauteile gemäß dem Stand der Technik veranschaulicht;
• 3D eine Querschnittsseitenansicht eines kugelförmigen fluidischen Oszillatorkreislaufs gemäß der Vorrichtung aus 3A ist;
• 4A eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem gestuften Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 4B eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem gestuften Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 4C eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem verkürzten abgestuften Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 4D eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem verlängerten abgestuften Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 5A eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem stufenlosen Spalt gemäß einer anderen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 5B eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem stufenlosen Spalt gemäß einer anderen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 5C eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem verlängerten stufenlosen Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 5D eine Querschnittsseitenansicht einer mit einem Spalt versehenen, fluidischen Oszillatoranordnung mit einem verlängerten stufenlosen Spalt gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 6A eine Tabelle ist, die verschiedene Messgrößen in Bezug auf verschiedene Spaltgrößen für fluidische Oszillatoren mit einem stufenlosen Spalt gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung darstellt; und
• 6B eine Tabelle ist, die verschiedene Messgrößen in Bezug auf verschiedene Spaltgrößen für fluidische Oszillatoren mit einem gestuften Spalt gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung darstellt.

The operation of the present disclosure may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the following illustrations, wherein:

• 1A Figure 3 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a prior art configuration including a cylinder with a dome top or end plate for making an oscillating annular body;
• 1B Figure 13 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a prior art configuration including a flat top member or end plate for making an oscillating annular body;
• 1C Figure 13 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a prior art configuration utilizing an outlet aperture in a dimpled top member for manufacture an oscillating annular rotating body;
• 1D Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the prior art configuration showing a functional aspect 1A represents;
• 2A Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a prior art embodiment of a front surface and a rear surface of a housing that houses fluidic oscillators;
• 2 B Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a prior art embodiment of a front surface and a rear surface of a housing that houses fluidic oscillators;
• 3A Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a prior art embodiment of a scanning shower head incorporating eight fluidic oscillators with outlet apertures and orifices which provide selected scanning spray patterns;
• 3B a perspective exploded view from above of the device of FIG 3A Figure 8 shows, from left to right, upper (or rear) and lower (or front) housing components and internal components according to the prior art;
• 3C a perspective exploded view from below of the device of FIG 3A Figure 8 shows, from left to right, upper and lower housings and internal components according to the prior art;
• 3D a cross-sectional side view of a spherical fluidic oscillator circuit according to the device 3A is;
• 4A Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly having a stepped gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4B Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly having a stepped gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4C Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly with a truncated stepped gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4D Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly with an elongated stepped gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5A Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a slotted fluidic oscillator assembly having a stepless slit in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5B Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a slotted fluidic oscillator assembly having a stepless slit in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5C Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly having an elongated stepless gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5D Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a gapped fluidic oscillator assembly having an elongated stepless gap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 6A Figure 13 is a table showing various metrics related to various gap sizes for fluidic oscillators having a stepless gap in accordance with the present disclosure; and
• 6B Figure 12 is a table illustrating various metrics related to various gap sizes for fluidic oscillators having a stepped gap in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, the examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is noted that other embodiments can be used and structural and functional changes can be made. In addition, features of the various embodiments can be combined or changed. Thus, the following description is provided for illustrative purposes only and is in no way intended to limit the various alternatives and modifications that can be made to the illustrated embodiments.

When used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean a possibility or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate an essential or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” should be understood to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context contradicts this. As an example, the phrase “A substitutes B or C” covers any included permutation (e.g. A substitutes B; A substitutes C; or A substitutes both B and C). Furthermore, the article “a” or “an / an” in Generally mean “one or more” unless the context contradicts it.

Similar reference numbers are used in all figures. Therefore, only selected elements are indicated in certain views, although the features of the system or the arrangement can be the same in all of the figures. In the same way, while a specific aspect of the disclosure is illustrated in these figures, other aspects and arrangements are possible, as will be explained below.

In the described embodiment of 3A to 3D was the spherical shape of the interaction chamber 180 has been considered critical to the performance of the fluid oscillation produced. The fluid spray pattern produced sweeps or scans in a preselected conical pattern size and direction. Fluid from the oscillation chamber is applied in a variable-directional spray that randomly scans over a selected area defined by the conical outer shape of the spray pattern. An investigation was started to see if improvements were available to improve the tolerances due to manufacturability and if changes in tolerances or placement would have a demonstrable effect on the behavior of the fluid spray pattern.

In this study it was found that the shape of the interaction chamber can be adjusted or adjusted in order to improve the tolerances in terms of manufacturability and assembly, while maintaining the performance of the fluidic circuit measured in terms of flow rate and opening or cone angle. It has been found that the variability of a step geometry can adjust both the flow rate and the cone angle with recognizable relationships, which are explained below.

One embodiment of a nipped scanning nozzle assembly is provided 200 and their components. In one embodiment, referring to FIG 4A the gapped scanning nozzle assembly 200 of the present disclosure set up in an economical method to generate a fluidic spray jet output which has a spray jet with a surprisingly uniform cone angle or opening angle 220 supplies. In one embodiment, the gapped scanning nozzle arrangement 200 discloses a two part fluidic oscillator that can be used with a variety of similar arrangements, which may or may not include the gap feature, in a housing similar to that of US Pat 3A to 3C on. In addition, the scanning nozzle arrangement provided with a gap 200 can be used independently of a shower head housing.

The gated scanning nozzle assembly can be an inlet member 210 , which defines an upper inner cavity, and an outlet element 230 , which defines a lower inner cavity. The inner cavity of the inlet element 210 may define an upper hemispherical shape, and the inner cavity of the outlet element 230 can define a lower hemispherical shape. The outlet element 230 can be set up, the inlet element 210 to be included in a congruence relationship and to be axially aligned with it. The slit scanning assembly 200 can be an axial or elongated gap 250 between a portion of the inlet member 210 and the outlet element 230 wherein the axial gap can define a cylindrical sidewall segment that is aligned between an upper hemispherical inner cavity and a lower hemispherical inner cavity. The axial gap can have a selected axial length and an inner diameter wider than the inner diameters of either (a) the element defining the inlet lumen hemisphere or (b) the element defining the outlet-outflow opening hemisphere. The gapped scanning nozzle assembly 200 defines a lumen or vortex generation chamber between the aft (power nozzle defining) member and the front member.

The fluidic scanning nozzle arrangement can be a fluidic nozzle arrangement provided with a gap 200 to be viewed as. This nozzle has an interaction chamber 260 on, which is axially between an upstream end 212 and a downstream end 232 is defined and a chamber longitudinal axis 270 having. The upstream end with an inlet port 214 for receiving a pressure fluid and supplying the pressure fluid into the interaction chamber 260 along the chamber axis 270 . The downstream end 232 with an outlet spout 234 to deliver a generally conical outlet spray 220 from liquid droplets from the interaction chamber 260 in the nearby areas.

The axial gap 250 can be between the upstream end 212 and the downstream end 232 be positioned. The outlet element is concrete 230 set up the inlet element 210 in a congruent relationship and to be axially aligned therewith to the interaction chamber 260 to build. Where is the axial gap 250 between a portion of the inlet member 210 and the outlet element 230 is positioned. In one embodiment, the axial gap defines 250 a cylindrical sidewall segment that is aligned between an upper hemispherical inner cavity and a lower hemispherical inner cavity. The axial gap 250 inside the interaction chamber 260 defines a chamber that creates an eddy flow or an annular flow between the inlet member and the outlet member.

As in the 4A to 4D shown, the axial gap can be a stepped or graded axial gap. Here, the inlet element 210 one shoulder 216 have, which protrudes radially outward from this. By the shoulder 216 it can be an annular element extending radially across one side of the inlet element 210 protrudes and is arranged at an opening of the outlet element 230 to lie on. The inlet element 210 with a first open end 218 longitudinally opposite the inlet opening 218 and the outlet element 230 with a second open end 237 longitudinally opposite the outlet orifice 234 . The first open end 218 can be inside the second open end 238 be introduced.

The outlet element 230 can be a step section 236 exhibit. The step section 236 may be an annular shoulder that extends within the cavity of the outlet element 230 is located. Once the inlet element 210 inside the outlet element 230 is introduced or inserted, the shoulder 216 such at the second open end 238 abut that the stepped axial gap 250 between the first open end 218 and the step section 236 of the outlet element 230 is formed.

The axial gap 250 may have a generally cylindrical shape within the interaction chamber 260 and may have a selected axial length between the first open end 218 and the step section 236 exhibit. Furthermore, the axial gap can have an inner diameter that is wider than an inner diameter of either (a) the cavity of the inlet element or (b) the cavity of the outlet element.

4A Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the nozzle assembly that may be part of a housing having a variety of nozzle assemblies. This housing can be a shower head, such as in the top 3A to 3C described. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the fluidic nozzle arrangement 200 , which is a lumen element 270 which extends from the inlet member 210 extends. The lumen element 270 may be attached to a source of pressurized fluid and may have a plurality of threads for selective attachment thereto. 4C Fig. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the gapped fluidic nozzle assembly 200 with a small axial gap 250 , whereas 4D an embodiment of the fluidic nozzle arrangement provided with a gap 200 with an elongated axial gap 250 illustrated.

As in the 5A to 5D As illustrated, the axial gap can be a stepless or continuous axial gap 250 ' act. The stepless axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member to have a common stepless diameter with the inlet member 210 and the outlet element 230 having. The first open end runs here 218 ' in the longitudinal direction to at the stepped section 238 of the outlet element 238 to lie, creating the stepless axial gap 250 ' is defined. Here two hemispherical cavities are positioned opposite each other with respect to each other, with the stepless axial gap 250 ' between them is positioned around the interaction chamber 260 ' define. The 5A and 5B illustrate smaller-dimensioned, stepless axial gaps 250 ' . The 5C and 5D illustrate elongated, stepless axial gaps 250 ' while the 5B and 5D Lumen elements 270 exhibit.

In one embodiment, both have nozzle arrangements 200 , 200 ' the inlet element 210 and outlet element 230 which can be positioned in a front panel so that the bottom or the underside of the inlet element 210 with the bar or top of the outlet element 230 comes into operative connection. There can be a variety of inlet elements 210 be present within a plurality of outlet elements 230 are introduced, which are integrated in a shower head assembly. The inlet elements 210 can be secured in place by the tight fit of the outer side wall, thereby forming fluidic oscillator interaction chambers and corresponding scanning spray jet outlets and outlet necks or constrictions. In operation, the shower head is secured to a suitable source of pressurized fluid. The fluid circulates in the chamber and flows into the multiple inlet power nozzles at equal flow rates 214 and reaches the fluidic interaction chambers under pressure 260 , 260 ' , circulates in the chamber in order to generate a fluidic oscillation or vibration, and is passed through the corresponding outlet opening 234 ejected to produce a scanning fluidic spray output from each outlet that is delivered at a uniform cone angle as indicated by 220 in FIG 4A shown. This scanning spray output can happen randomly over and around the defined opening angle 220 scan or raster this to a special preferred flow pattern for use, for example in a shower, to generate.

This configuration of the scanning nozzle element is well suited for use in a multi-jet nozzle assembly (e.g., a shower head) and the method of the present invention which offers significant advantages. The simplicity of the geometry of the scanning nozzle element, which has an essentially non-spherical interaction area with coaxial opposing inlet lumens (power nozzle) and outlet outflow opening (neck piece), and the tolerance of a range of the side wall lengths of the gap enables a simplified construction of the fluidic scanning arrangements.

All of the sensing neck pieces with the downstream half of the interaction areas (e.g. 230) can be formed in one piece of the shower head. In this scenario, the power nozzle and the upstream half of the interaction area (eg 210) are individually shaped for each flow element. The number of parts or components for the flow elements is equal to the number of flow elements plus one. This is easier and more economical to manufacture than other known scanning nozzle assemblies, and there are opportunities for greater flexibility and economy, making the components much easier to design, cast, and assemble because of the axial gap 250 can have a range of acceptable or tolerated lengths and still provide acceptable performance.

Alternatively, the scanning necks with the downstream half of the interaction areas can be formed in one piece of the shower head, and all of the power nozzles and upstream half of the interaction areas can be formed in a different piece of the shower head. In this scenario, the number of parts or components for the flow elements is two, regardless of how many flow elements are included. This scenario also makes it possible to design and manufacture each shower head with a fluidic scanning geometry that is most suitable, instead of using more or less standard components that are typical in flow shower heads known from the prior art.

To enable alignment of a large number of flow elements in the assembly, one of the components may be molded from a flexible material to allow it to conform to the other component made from resinous plastic. In order to enable the alignment of a large number of flow elements in the arrangement of the present invention and to enable the aiming or bending of the flow elements to different aiming angles, both components can be formed from a flexible material in order to enable them to attach to one another and to a adapt hard surface or back plate or support plate, which holds the given target angle. The economics inherent in the manufacturing process for making the sensing flow elements and the shower head nozzle assembly - the coaxial opposing inlets (power nozzle) and outlets (throat) of the non-spherical interaction area - provide the ability to have the downstream halves of the interaction areas in one piece of the shower head assembly to train economically or inexpensively, as explained above. Because the power nozzle and the upstream half of the interaction area are individually molded for each flow element, the arrangement of the shower head is simplified and the components are significantly easier to design and cast.

It is noted that the performance of the nozzle assembly 200 with a stepless gap compared to the nozzle arrangements with spherical interaction areas, which in the 3A to 3C are disclosed in the table 6A is noted. The table out 6A discloses different measured variables with respect to different gap sizes for fluidic oscillators with a stepless axial gap 250 ' according to the present disclosure. The performance of the nozzle arrangement with a stepless axial gap 250 ' with a length that is approximately 50% of the diameter of the first open end 218 was a one percent drop in flow rate and generated a variable fluidic spray jet that defines an approximately 35% smaller cone circumference. The performance of the nozzle arrangement with a stepless axial gap 250 ' with a longitudinal length approximately equal to the diameter of the first open end 218 is, was at a 2 percent lower flow rate and generated a variable fluidic spray jet that defines an approximately 60% smaller cone circumference.

It is noted that the performance of the nozzle assembly 200 with a stepped axial gap 250 compared to the nozzle arrangements with spherical interaction areas, which in the 3A to 3C are shown in the table 6B are shown. The table out 6B discloses different measured variables with respect to different gap sizes for fluidic oscillators with a stepped axial gap 250 according to the present disclosure. The nozzle arrangement with a stepped axial gap 250 with a length that is approximately 50% of the diameter of the first open end 218 showed no significant change in the flow rate of the flow rate and produced a variable fluidic spray jet that defined an approximately 40% smaller cone circumference. The performance of the nozzle arrangement with a stepped axial gap 250 with a longitudinal length approximately equal to the diameter of the first open end 218 is, was at a 2 percent lower flow rate and generated a variable fluidic spray jet that defined an approximately 60% smaller cone circumference.

It was found that the nozzle with the stepped axial gap diameter provided better fluid outlet flow stability than the stepless axial gap. It exhibits a higher frequency conical oscillation, more uniform spray distribution, reduces the likelihood of unwanted targets, and provides constant, conical fluid flow diameter results with a lower frequency of conical oscillation ("sampling").

In view of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments of a new and improved method, it is believed that other modifications, variations, and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. It should therefore be noted that all such variations, modifications, and changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the detailed description above, it is noted that the gapped fluidic oscillator assemblies are not only to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather the systems and assemblies described herein , allow numerous other arrangements, modifications and additions. The embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is intended that this document cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, when the term “comprise” or “contain” is used in the detailed description or in the claims, that term is to be understood as including, similar to the term “have” because “have” when used is interpreted as a transition word in a claim.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

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Claims (20)

Fluidic scanning nozzle, comprising: an interaction chamber defined axially between an upstream end and a downstream end and having a chamber longitudinal axis; wherein the upstream end has an inlet opening for receiving a pressurized fluid and for supplying the pressurized fluid into the interaction chamber along the chamber axis; the downstream end having an outlet orifice for discharging a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from the chamber into the environment; and an axial gap positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the upstream end is an inlet member that defines an inner cavity with a hemispherical shape. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 2 wherein the downstream end is an outlet member defining an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, the inner cavity of the inlet member being an upper hemispherical shape and the inner cavity of the outlet member being a lower hemispherical shape. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 3 wherein the outlet element is configured to receive the inlet element in a congruent relationship and to be axially aligned therewith to form the interaction chamber. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 3 wherein the axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the axial gap defines a cylindrical sidewall segment which is aligned between an upper inner cavity with a hemispherical shape and a lower inner cavity with a hemispherical shape. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the axial gap has a selected axial length and an inner diameter that is wider than an inner diameter of either (a) the inlet member or (b) the outlet member. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member and is a stepped axial gap. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 3 wherein the axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member and is a stepless axial gap. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the axial gap within the interaction chamber defines a vortex generation chamber between the inlet member and the outlet member. Fluidic scanning nozzle, comprising: an interaction chamber defined axially between an inlet element and an outlet element and having a chamber longitudinal axis; wherein the inlet member has an upstream end with an inlet opening for receiving a pressurized fluid and for supplying the pressurized fluid into the interaction chamber along the chamber axis; the outlet member having a downstream end with an outlet orifice for discharging a generally conical outlet spray of liquid droplets from the chamber into the environment; and an axial gap positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 1 wherein the inlet element and the outlet element are fixed to one another and sealed to define the interaction chamber therebetween, the inlet element having a first open end longitudinally opposite the inlet opening and the outlet element having a second open end longitudinally opposite the outlet-outflow opening, and wherein the first open end is inserted within the second open end. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 11 wherein the inlet member defines an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, and the outlet member defines an inner cavity having a hemispherical shape, the inner cavity of the inlet member being an upper hemispherical shape and the inner cavity of the outlet member being a lower hemispherical shape. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 13 wherein the outlet element is configured to receive the inlet element in congruent relationship and to be axially aligned therewith to form the interaction chamber. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 13 wherein the axial gap defines a cylindrical sidewall segment that is aligned between an upper inner cavity with a hemispherical shape and a lower inner cavity with a hemispherical shape. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 11 wherein the axial gap has a selected axial length and an inner diameter that is wider than an inner diameter of either (a) the inlet member or (b) the outlet member. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 11 wherein the axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member and is a stepped axial gap. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 11 wherein the axial gap is positioned between a portion of the inlet member and the outlet member and is a stepless axial gap. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 11 wherein the outlet element further comprises a stepless surface with a plurality of outlet elements configured to align with a plurality of inlet elements within a housing. Fluidic scanning nozzle according to Claim 19 wherein the housing is a shower head assembly.

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